Koji Kumagai

Kumagai was born in Towada on October 23, 1975. After graduating from high school, he joined the Kashima Antlers in 1994. Although he could did not play much during the 1990s, he played often as defensive midfielder in 2000. In 2000, the club won the championship in all three major titles in Japan: J1 League, the J.League Cup, and the Emperor's Cup. That was the first time in J1 League history. The club also won the championship in the 2001 J1 League and the 2002 J.League Cup. In 2003, he did not play as much and he moved to Vegalta Sendai in July 2004. He retired at the end of the 2005 season.

In April 1995, Kumagai was selected Japan U-20 national team for 1995 World Youth Championship. He played full time in all four matches as defensive midfielder.